11 Most Emotional Video Game Openings

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Just as forming a good impression when meeting someone for the first time can leave a lasting memory, so does starting off a new game on a positive note. Even if the rest of the game isn’t up to par, an effective and engaging beginning will make you recall those initial strong feelings with fondness.

Starting with a powerful introduction significantly shapes the mood for the entire gaming experience, as it resonates deeply within you and lingers in your memory, even after countless hours spent playing.

We’ll evaluate these video game openings according to their ability to evoke powerful emotions such as fear, wonder, and deep sadness. There might be instances where they combine these feelings effectively.

Spoiler Warning: This list contains spoilers for the opening moments of the below titles.

11.
Life Is Strange 2

A Tale Of Two Brothers

In the game Life is Strange 2, it caught everyone off guard how quickly events spiraled out of control for the Diaz brothers.

As we transition from Chloe and Max to Sean and Daniel Diaz, it’s their story that unfolds. They are on the run from the law following a heartbreaking incident.

In the opening hour of Life is Strange 2, the atmosphere becomes filled with intrigue and foreboding as scenes from a dashcam are presented followed by shifts into Sean’s viewpoint. His days, seemingly ordinary for a teenager, include casual conversations with his crush. However, the tranquility is disrupted when he witnesses his brother being harassed by a bully.

Following a heated argument that spirals out of control, the situation turns tragic as a police officer fires at their father, which in turn triggers Daniel’s hidden supernatural abilities, resulting in him causing extensive damage to nearly half the neighborhood.

In this initial scene, a sense of apprehension and urgency gradually builds until it erupts into a profoundly sad event. Overwhelmed by circumstances, Sean finds himself compelled to flee along with his brother, abandoning their father’s lifeless form behind them.

10.
Fallout 4

War Never Changes

In Fallout 4, you’re initially lulled into a deceptive tranquility, as it immerses you in the picture-perfect life of a 1960s family, complete with a content couple, an infant, and even a helpful robot butler.

However, anyone acquainted with the Fallout series is well aware that a peaceful existence within these games seldom persists. Instead, an unsettling atmosphere prevails as soon as it becomes clear that your life is on the brink of transformation, as the long-awaited nuclear war unfolds before you.

The feeling that disaster is close at hand is strongly felt, and it intensifies significantly when you witness an explosion from a nuclear bomb in the distance, just moments before you plan to take refuge with your loved ones inside a safe room.

Beyond that, the game Fallout 4 also puts you in a position where you can only watch sadly as your spouse is brutally killed by unknown assailants, and they take your child away from you. The game provides an option for you to keep your spouse’s wedding ring as a memento while you embark on a journey through the post-apocalyptic Commonwealth in search of your spouse’s killer and your lost son.

9.
Mass Effect 2

Commander Shepard Dies

If you’ve experienced the initial “Mass Effect” game and transferred your saved progress, chances are you’ve formed a bond with your team and the Normandy vessel by now.

However, Mass Effect 2 dismantles everything built up so far, destroying the Normandy and annihilating the crew in a harsh, mysterious assault by an unidentified enemy.

Commander Shepard gets ejected from the Normandy and perishes due to a rupture in his life support system, leaving you with no choice but to witness the tragic demise of your cherished character.

In a stunning twist, Mass Effect 2 starts off by taking away Commander Shepard, a character greatly cherished by gamers due to his prominent role and popularity within the Mass Effect series.

Fortunately, Shepherd doesn’t remain deceased for over a minute due to the Illusive Man’s prearranged plans to revive Shepherd through the Lazarus Project. Regrettably, this revelation was tough on many as it signified that their prized equipment and advancements had been lost.

8.
Stray

No Cats Were Harmed

In the case of both films and video games, if the lead character is an animal, it’s certain that the narrative will touch your emotions deeply. And as for Stray, this certainly holds true.

In a compact game featuring a charming tabby cat as its protagonist, Stray omits dialogue but still manages to tug at the heartstrings remarkably well during its introduction, as you and your feline kin journey through a deserted metropolis following a storm.

Indeed, things often don’t run as planned, and unfortunately, this feline finds itself parted from its loved ones, tumbling out of a pipe and plunging into a deep, shadowy chasm below. The saddest scene unfolds when the cat fights desperately to hold onto the cold concrete ledge, all while its family looks on in despair.

I couldn’t help but let out a heart-wrenching “Noooo!” as our beloved feline friend lost its footing, emitting a sorrowful yelp that struck me right in the feels.

Fortunately, the cat manages to pull through and tends to its injuries, yet it’s heartbreaking to witness such a creature hobble weakly and desperately cry for its kin as it embarks on its voyage.

7.
The Walking Dead: Season 2

The Pain Of Losing Lee Lingers

For over a decade now, Telltale Games’ The Walking Dead continues to stir deep emotions within the gaming community, as the tragic demise of Lee in Season 1 remains a poignant memory.

Regardless of whether Clementine chooses to fire at Lee or let him go, she manages to make it through that encounter and eventually reconnects with Omid and Christa. This sets the stage for the occurrences in Season 2.

Clementine might be one of the most tenacious young characters in video games, or possibly in literature as a whole. She’s faced numerous hardships and despite losing a significant figure like Lee, she continues to face more challenges.

In the early stages of Season 2, she encounters a distressing situation where she is compelled to handle the loss of Omid after being held up at a rest stop by an unidentified robber wielding a firearm.

In the gaming world I inhabit, the weight of losing Omid never truly lifts from my shoulders as Clementine. The remainder of my journey in Season 2 and beyond is a constant struggle, a heavy burden that follows me like an unwanted shadow.

6.
God Of War

Lo, There Do They Call To Me

As a gamer, I’d say that just like God of War (2018) and its sequel, God of War Ragnarök, my adventures start with the loss of someone dear. Unlike the noisy, action-packed tales of my Greek past, this time around, Kratos’s story in the Norse realm is much more subdued and thoughtful.

After Faye’s funeral and Fenrir’s demise, it was Faye’s funeral that left a stronger initial impact, as it significantly changed the atmosphere compared to the original trilogy. Of course, no disrespect intended towards the beloved canine.

In the epic saga of God of War (2018), not much is disclosed about Kratos’s deceased wife, but it isn’t until the flashbacks in God of War Ragnarok that we finally get a glimpse of her. Yet, her influence and emotional resonance are palpable through both Kratos and Atreus as they ready themselves for her funeral, making her an integral part of their journey despite her absence.

As a devoted admirer, I find myself immersed in the game where I, as Kratos, start by felling a towering tree. The poise with which he wields his axe hints at an inner turmoil that’s been bottled up, a testament to the profound sorrow and agony hidden within him.

With Bear McCreary’s skillfully crafted music as a backdrop, Faye’s funeral serves as a poignant farewell to a character who has been known and cherished exclusively by the father-son duo. This solemn yet beautiful introduction establishes the mood and narrative for the ensuing game, marking the start of a significant and epic journey to Jotunheim that the father and son embark upon together.

5.
That Dragon, Cancer

In Memory Of Joel Green

In a touching and poignant narrative, the game “That Dragon, Cancer” delves into the deeply personal story of Ryan and Amy Green, as they share their heartwrenching yet beautiful journey with their son Joel, who tragically passed away from cancer at the tender age of four in 2016. Placing this entry anywhere but near the top would be a disservice, and its inclusion here is more than justified.

In the beginning, That Dragon, Cancer portrays a seemingly cheerful day at the park for the Green family, including little Joel. However, as you progress through the game, the atmosphere shifts dramatically, revealing a somber hospital scene where Ryan cradles Joel, who is connected to an IV in his arms.

Using authentic footage from home videos and heartfelt voice messages from the Greens and their circle, “That Dragon, Cancer” offers a poignant depiction of the challenging ordeal faced by those who love someone battling cancer. It’s a moving representation of the protracted struggle, the paralyzing fear of the unknown and despair that seeps in, and the haunting dread of what lies ahead.

In every instant, there’s a genuine, unfiltered feel to it all, and the deep love that Ryan and Amy have for their son is clearly evident. They cling tightly to their beliefs while showcasing the profound beauty of “video games as an expression of art.”

4.
Ori And The Blind Forest

An Orphan Once More

Drawing inspiration from tales such as “The Iron Giant,” “The Lion King,” and Hayao Miyazaki’s works, “Ori and the Blind Forest” artfully combines a touching, wordless narrative about the determined journey of Ori, who strives to rejuvenate the ailing forest of Nibel.

At the start of the game, we’re introduced to Ori, a guardian spirit, who is taken under the wing of a fluffy creature named Naru. During these initial ten minutes, we see their connection deepen as they collaborate on constructing bridges, collect fruit side by side, and share cozy moments during the night hours.

However, even though the story is lovely, it doesn’t end on a cheerful note. As the Spirit Tree wilts along with its surrounding vegetation, Ori and Naru face starvation. Eventually, Naru succumbs to starvation after giving her last fruit to Ori. Despite this, Ori bravely sets out to gather food, but ultimately has no other choice than to leave. In due course, he collapses and dies near the Spirit Tree. Remarkably, before he revives, this tragic event unfolds into one of the most memorable Metroidvania experiences in recent years.

Maybe the real blind forest was the players blinded by the tears flooding their eyes.

3.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Tomorrow Comes

Currently, there’s a fresh release, Clair Obscur, which has been designed to instantly captivate gamers seeking a novel experience. Indeed, it swiftly fulfills this promise.

As Gustave, you’ll traverse the charming, festive-bound city of Lumiere within its secure boundaries, where the air buzzes with excitement. However, despite the lively ambiance, a sense of unease lingers…

It’s fascinating! I recently learned that the enigmatic artist residing atop the colossal stone landmark beyond the mountain is preparing to initiate The Gommage. This is an age-old tradition where a fresh number gets etched onto the Monolith, and all who share this number mysteriously perish, vanishing into thin air like a wisp of smoke, scattering as rose petals on the breeze.

In this heart-wrenching moment, you are forced to bid farewell to your loved one, as it seems like a large portion of the city’s inhabitants vanish in an instant. It’s both painful and strikingly artistic, and if that wasn’t already emotional enough, the stirring music will undoubtedly make you cry.

2.
Firewatch

Stop Running Away From The Here And Now

Firewatch is an immersive, yet brief, adventure game that casts you as Henry, a man in his midlife, who takes on the role of a forest lookout stationed within the expansive Shoshone National Forest nestled amidst the Rockies.

In the heart of solitude, I find my sole link to humanity is none other than Delilah, a comrade watcher who communicates with me via our trusty walkie-talkie.

The game establishes a melancholic atmosphere at the outset by alternating between scenes from Henry’s two-day journey to his tower and a narrative flashback detailing Henry’s romantic tale with his wife, Julia.

Even though there isn’t any spoken dialogue during the initial scene, the game cleverly encourages you to pause and observe the intricate nuances that unfold between Henry and Julia, transforming their chance encounter into a deep, genuine, and heartwarming love story.

Things appear normal until Julia is diagnosed with early-onset dementia at the age of 43, which makes it clear why Henry decided to escape and offer his services as a watchman instead.

Having personally seen the impact of dementia on my family members, this beginning moved me to tears. Firewatch manages to depict dementia with a chilling precision that feels all too real.

1.
The Last Of Us

That Soldier Deserved Worse

Both The Last of Us and its follow-up are exceptional at delivering powerful, emotional journeys that tug at your heartstrings in profound ways.

Joel’s demise in The Last of Us Part II is undeniably a heart-wrenching moment that stirred up controversy, yet Sarah’s death continues to be one of the most emotionally devastating incidents in video game history.

The initial game introduces you to a warm and heartwarming bond between Joel and his daughter Sarah. However, it swiftly changes the scene when the Cordyceps breakout occurs, allowing you to experience the world from Sarah’s perspective.

Everything builds up to a scene where Joel and Sarah encounter a solider instructed to eliminate anyone he comes across, regardless of whether they are infected or not. Tragically, although Joel manages to live on, Sarah gets fatally wounded by this soldier and passes away in Joel’s embrace.

Sarah’s passing leaves us heartbroken, as we see Joel weeping, tenderly holding his daughter’s lifeless form. This loss deeply marks Joel (and us), and it subtly hints at the intricate bond he will share with Ellie in the years to come.

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2025-04-25 16:41